What cultural & geographical elements did you see in the Algonquin Cinderella & Yeh-Shen, and how did they affect the story?
The Algonquin Cinderella and Yeh-Shen are two distinct Cinderella stories deeply rooted in different cultural and geographical contexts.
In the Algonquin Cinderella, also known as "The Rough-Face Girl," the story is based on the Algonquin Native American tribe and is set in a village near Lake Ontario. This cultural and geographical element influences the story in several ways. Firstly, the Algonquin tribe's traditional beliefs and values shape the narrative. The story emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, kindness, and bravery over outer appearances. This cultural element is reflected in the protagonist, who is known as the "Rough-Face Girl" due to her scarred appearance but is chosen by the Invisible Being for her pure heart. The story also showcases the Algonquin people's respect for nature and their strong connection to the land and water, as illustrated through the protagonist seeking guidance from the lake and animals. Additionally, the Algonquin tribe's emphasis on communal values is evident when the Rough-Face Girl's sisters are punished for ridiculing her, highlighting the importance of respect and unity within the community.
Yeh-Shen is a Chinese Cinderella story that takes place in ancient China, during the Tang dynasty. The Chinese cultural and geographical elements significantly impact the narrative. The settings, such as the ancestral temple, the village, and the Forbidden City, evoke a sense of traditional Chinese society and hierarchy, where customs and societal norms play a crucial role. The story is deeply influenced by Confucian values, as it emphasizes filial piety, respect for elders, and adherence to societal rules. For example, Yeh-Shen's deep love for her fish companion and her compliance with her stepmother's orders are expressions of her obedient nature, reflecting the Confucian ideal of loyalty and obedience within a family unit. The magical elements, such as the fish transforming into a fairy godmother and the golden slipper, are inspired by Chinese folklore and beliefs in supernatural occurrences. Furthermore, the story demonstrates the importance of luck and destiny in Chinese culture, as Yeh-Shen's eventual marriage to the prince is attributed to the good fortune granted by the fish.
In both stories, the cultural and geographical elements contribute to the uniqueness and richness of the narratives, shaping the characters, settings, values, and beliefs portrayed. They offer insight into the customs, traditions, and perspectives of the diverse cultures from which these stories originated.